Thalamic Hemorrhage in an Adult with Medulloblastoma Treated with Craniospinal Irradiation, Chemotherapy and Long Term Vismodegib: Radiation Complication or Drug Toxicity?
Julia Paula Alcantara1, Lemuel Hope Galindo1, Emmanuel Mantilla Jr.2
1Cebu Institute of Medicine, 2Baylor Scott & White Health
Objective:
Not applicable
Background:

Medulloblastoma (MB), a highly malignant neuroepithelial brain tumor, is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, but only accounts for <1% in adults. Standard treatment for adults has not been established, often adapting from pediatric guidelines. Vismodegib, a targeted therapy for the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup of adult MBs, has demonstrated potential for recurrent MB but its long term efficacy and safety warrant further research.

Case: This is a case of a 26-year-old female who presented with occipital headaches. Imaging revealed a heterogeneously enhancing right cerebellar mass with areas of cystic degeneration and necrosis. She underwent resection, with pathology consistent with medulloblastoma, WHO Grade 4, dysplastic/nodular, SHH-activated, P53 wild type. Post-operatively, she had craniospinal irradiation (CSI) with protons, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy using the Packer regimen (cisplatin, lomustine, and vincristine). She only tolerated 2 cycles due to significant hematotoxicity. She subsequently developed leptomeningeal spread along the left vestibulocochlear nerve, cervical and lumbar spine. Vismodegib, a highly selective SHH inhibitor, was started and the patient was stable on this regimen for 3 years. Vismodegib was stopped following a spontaneous right thalamic hemorrhage. No bleeding risk factors and aneurysms were identified.

Design/Methods:
Not applicable
Results:
Not applicable
Conclusions:
Management of adult medulloblastoma continues to pose challenges due to its rarity. Innovative therapies, including vismodegib, provide hope for improved outcomes, though their long-term safety remains unknown. Radiotherapy is also known to cause bleeding due to its propensity for vascular changes. The true etiology of the intraparenchymal hemorrhage remains unclear as both could be contributing factors. An interplay of these factors could potentially cause unfavorable outcomes, highlighting the complexities of managing a rare case of adult medulloblastoma.
10.1212/WNL.0000000000211389
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